Symington responds to Douglas endorsements

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(Host)  Newspapers around the state have begun to publish their endorsements of political candidates.  This weekend, The Burlington Free Press endorsed the Republican incumbent, Governor Jim Douglas. 

The Rutland Herald and the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus also endorsed Douglas, writing in part that Democratic challenger Symington — quote — "had trouble finding a way to articulate her ideas."

And, the newspapers said, that translates into an inability to lead.

Symington addressed those critiques during an interview on VPR’s Vermont Edition:

(Symington)  "I don’t think anyone is going to offer me the smooth-talker award from this campaign. But I think Vermonters look beyond slogans and beyond broad promises. They look for substance and they look for somebody who really listens."

(Host)  Symington turned the criticism onto Douglas, saying he’s spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a negative campaign:

(Symington)  "Uh, you know it’s a real statement for an incumbent governor, who’s been governor for six years, instead of focusing on his own record – which I’m not surprised he doesn’t want to focus on because it’s an awful lot about failure – is instead focusing on distorting words and putting out distracting messages."

(Host) Douglas has said repeatedly that he doesn’t see his campaign message as being negative. 

The race for governor includes independent Anthony Pollina. To win the race outright on Election Day, one candidate needs to receive at least 50 percent of the vote.

 

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